Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
As the Club that has experienced the greatest spread of positions in the pyramid over the last decade, we fully understand the importance of preserving the values of our beautiful game and care passionately about the protection of its heritage. As we have seen with the tragic demise of Bury FC among others, and particularly following the challenges posed by Covid-19, many clubs are in a vulnerable position and in need of support and guidance. Fans given greater say in running of clubs, and key heritage such as team names, badges and stadia at core of new plans Notts County, the world’s oldest professional club, fully supports any action to safeguard the future of clubs and the structure of the globally-revered English football pyramid. It will guarantee fans a greater say in the strategic running of their clubs and help protect clubs’ heritage to stop owners changing names, badges and home shirt colours without consulting fans. It will require clubs to seek regulator approval for any sale or relocation of the stadium, with fan engagement a major part of that process.
My first major meeting as Sports Minister was with football fans. I heard how some clubs had suffered at the hands of owners who used and abused their stewardship. This is about protecting the beautiful game, making sure we remain home to the strongest league in the world, and safeguarding clubs big and small across the country. We look forward to an independent regulator to provide all clubs with the fairest opportunity to compete through sporting endeavour whilst operating sustainably, with the inclusion of supporters and influence on their communities.
The Government is continuing to consider the safety and economic case for piloting the sale and consumption of alcohol in sight of the pitch at matches in the men’s lower leagues, as per the recommendation within the fan-led review of football governance. It will continue to consult stakeholders on a way forward, including Safety Advisory Groups and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority. The new test for prospective and current owners and directors will complement the current tests administered by the Premier League and English Football League.
More recently, in 2021, plans for a breakaway European Super League by a select group of Premier League and other European elite clubs were shelved after widespread public condemnation and action from the Government and football authorities. Yet despite the success of the sport both at home and abroad, we know that there are real challenges which threaten the stability of clubs both big and small. The introduction of a new independent regulator of football will strengthen our incredible pyramid, giving investors, fans and communities confidence in the governance of our clubs, enabling them to thrive in the best leagues in the world. As a transparent and values-led club that seeks to be financially and environmentally sustainable, we welcome the Fan Led Review and look forward to playing our role in the evolution of a more equitable game.The move follows the Government’s 2019 manifesto commitment to deliver a fan-led review of football governance, in light of the failings at historic clubs such as Bury and Macclesfield Town which went out of business as a result of mismanagement. Those clubs are among 64 instances of a club being put into administration since 1992, when the Premier League was launched. I know how much football means to this country, and I want to see the domestic league continue its incredible success at home and abroad. There will be new tests for owners and directors, ensuring good custodians of clubs, stronger due diligence on sources of wealth and a requirement for robust financial planning. Further details on the Home Office’s review of the existing visa system will be set out in due course. Our plans will ensure that clubs manage their finances in a responsible way, and prevent unscrupulous owners from treating clubs as expendable commodities rather than the beloved community assets that they are.
The review was based on engagement with supporters’ trusts, fan groups, women’s football representatives, football authorities, club owners, players representatives, and underrepresented interest groups, alongside over 20,000 fans responding to an online survey. The final report, supported by an expert advisory panel from the world of football, was submitted to the Government in November 2021, with 57 recommendations put forward in total, including ten key strategic recommendations. However, if the football authorities cannot reach an agreement the regulator would have targeted powers of last resort to intervene and facilitate an agreement as and when necessary.This is a big day for football in this country and I am delighted the Government has acted on the key strategic recommendations in my review. The English game remains one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports, with clubs and leagues around the world modelling themselves on its success. That is why the Government is today taking the necessary and targeted steps to ensure that continues for generations.
Led by former England and Great Britain footballer Karen Carney MBE, the review is looking at how to deliver bold and sustainable growth of the women’s game at elite and grassroots level. This is with a particular focus on assessing the potential audience reach and growth of the game, examining the financial health of the game, and examining the structures within women’s football. A full report will be published later this year. Fans are at the centre of what we do, and that was never more apparent than the period of time in which fixtures were played behind closed doors. The publication of the white paper and subsequent discussions provide an opportunity to make important progress on key issues such as regulation and, critically, the distribution of revenues - focused on ensuring that the football pyramid at all levels can thrive.
Since its inception over 165 years ago, English football has been bringing people together, providing a source of pride for communities and inspiration to millions of fans across the country.
Great Deal 
New Comment